PSP Central America: Condom and Lubricant Buying Habits Among FSWs, Clients of FSWs, and MSM in Cancún and Veracruz

To better tailor project activities to the target populations in Veracruz and Cancun, Abt Associates Inc. and PSI/Mexico designed a qualitative study to explore condom and lubricant buying habits among female sex workers (FSWs), clients of FSWs, men having sex with men (MSM), and bar managers in the two cities. The Abt consortium worked closely with contracted research agency De la Riva Investigación Estratégica to develop the study protocol, instruments, and recruitment strategy. The study consisted of focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in the two target cities.

PSI/Mexico field staff in both cities recruited participants, scheduling the FGDs and IDIs in advance. A final report has been completed and results are being used by the project and have also been used among partners and stakeholders.

The study concluded there is a higher culture of condom use among FSWs and MSM than lubricants. There still are myths and lack of information on condom and lubricant use among both groups (less among MSM) that need to be addressed with innovative and motivating behavior change activities. Several good suggestions were given to better tailor educational activities being implemented. Behavior change actions need to focus on FSWs clients and bar/motel owners to sensitize them, in many instances they are the ones who decide on condom and lubricant usage for sex interactions with both FSWs and MSM.